7 new faces called up for Azzurrini’s upcoming February friendly against France

The Under-18 National Team’s first match of 2018 is set to take place in Ploufragan, a commune in the Côtes-d’Armor department of Brittany. The match against France will take place on Wednesday 7th February at the Complexe Sportif du Haut Champ.

A total of 18 players have been called up by coach Daniele Franceschini for the test away from home, which will precede their additional friendly against the Netherlands in Biella on March 23rd. For seven players this is their first call-up for the Under-18s, including goalkeeper Riccardo Daga, defender Francesco Mezzoni, midfielder Marco Pompetti and forwards Lorenzo Babbi, Marco Meli, Samuele Mulattieri and Elia Visconti.

From 11 previous meetings between the two sides at Under-18 level, Italy has the edge with six wins. They have lost on three occasions, while also drawn twice. That does include the most recent 1-1 friendly draw played at Clairefontaine on February 8th last year.